Colac CBD revamp completed

Colac’s main shopping strip is now a more attractive place to stop, shop and socialise with the official launch of the $1.95 million CBD Revitalisation Project today (23 Feb 2018).

The upgrade of Colac’s central business district was completed on schedule with work crews recently finishing touches to the pocket park, where the official launch ceremony was held.

Colac Otway Shire councillors were joined by Corangamite federal MP Sarah Henderson, state Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Major Events and Regional Victoria Danielle Green, representatives of the Colac and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and local business owners.

Mayor Joe McCracken said Council acknowledged that the construction period had been challenging for local retailers.

“We’ve appreciated the work of our team and the many local contractors involved to deliver such a high quality project. We also want to acknowledge the way businesses and the community have worked with us through the project,” Cr McCracken said.

“Customers and visitors to Colac are now able to enjoy the finished product and we’re expecting the striking impact of the works to make our CBD a more attractive place to stop, shop and socialise.

“Council is really excited about the transformative effects this project has clearly had on our CBD. It’s now a true visual reflection of what our main town and our surrounding district has to offer,” he said.

Highlights of the project include:

- Creation of a pocket park on part of the Telstra site delivering a beautiful entrance to the CBD
- Complete upgrade of the centre median including exposed aggregate and installation of up lighting from Corangamite Street through to Queen Street
- New footpaths between Corangamite Street and Queen Street
- Smart irrigation system installation in garden beds and centre median to ensure plant and tree health all year round
- Installation of new updated street furniture including seating, bins, bike racks etc.

The CBD revitalisation project was funded with $975,000 from the Federal Government, $500,000 from Regional Development Victoria, $200,000 from Local Government Victoria and $275,000 from Council.

The Revitalisation of Colac CBD and Entrances has been strongly supported by G21 as an Economic Development Pillar project.

Source: Based on State Government and Colac Otway Shire media statements

G21 Pillars

About G21

G21 is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations working together to improve the lives of people within the Geelong region across five member municipalities – Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.